U.S. patent number 7,867,261 [Application Number 11/557,429] was granted by the patent office on 2011-01-11 for bone plate with variable torsional stiffness at fixed angle holes.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Depuy Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jose Luis Francese, Jorge L. Orbay, Robert Sixto, Jr..
United States Patent |
7,867,261 |
Sixto, Jr. , et al. |
January 11, 2011 |
Bone plate with variable torsional stiffness at fixed angle
holes
Abstract
A bone plate includes at least one torsional modification
feature (TMF). Each TMF is structured to decrease the torsional
rigidity of the plate relative to longitudinally opposite portions,
but may be modified to increase the torsional rigidity thereat.
Each TMF is defined by beams contiguous with the lateral sides of
the plate, and an opening extending laterally therebetween. In a
preferred embodiment, opposed projections extend into the opening
to define threaded discontinuous wall portions for receiving an
insert, such as a set screw. In one embodiment, bioabsorbable
and/or bioactive inserts may be used to temporarily increase the
torsional rigidity of the plate during initial fixation and
thereafter have reduced torsional rigidity to mimic normal callus.
The plate is preferably used with fixed angle fasteners that may be
subject to high torsional loads post-operatively.
Inventors: |
Sixto, Jr.; Robert (Miami,
FL), Francese; Jose Luis (Miami Springs, FL), Orbay;
Jorge L. (Coral Gables, FL) |
Assignee: |
Depuy Products, Inc. (Warsaw,
IN)
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Family
ID: |
39015781 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/557,429 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070233115 A1 |
Oct 4, 2007 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11536441 |
Sep 28, 2006 |
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11378703 |
Mar 17, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/80 (20130101); A61B 2017/00004 (20130101); A61B
17/8085 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/80 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;606/280,70,71,281,283,285,286,287,298,301,331,76,77
;411/393,433,81 ;403/296,362 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0471419 |
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Feb 1992 |
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EP |
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0773004 |
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May 1997 |
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EP |
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2367479 |
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Oct 1976 |
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FR |
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2072514 |
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Oct 1981 |
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GB |
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WO99/44529 |
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Sep 1999 |
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WO |
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WO2004045389 |
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Jun 2004 |
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WO |
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WO2006102081 |
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Sep 2006 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Robert; Eduardo C
Assistant Examiner: Comstock; David
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gordon & Jacobson, PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
11/536,441, filed Sep. 28, 2006, and is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Ser. No. 11/378,703, filed Mar. 17, 2006, both of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bone plate for use with a least one cortical bone screw,
comprising: an elongate bone plate having a longitudinal center,
opposite first and second ends, and opposing lateral sides, said
plate including a screw hole located between said center and said
first end, and a torsional modification feature (TMF) located
between said center and said screw hole, said TMF decreasing the
torsional rigidity of the plate relative to two portions of the
plate adjacent said TMF on longitudinally opposite sides of the
TMF, said TMF comprising a first projection and a second
projection, each of said projections contiguous with one of said
two portions and lateral sides of said plate and an opening
therebetween, said first projection including a first thread
portion and said second projection including a second thread
portion extending into the opening, said first and second thread
portions forming discontinuous wall portions of a full thread; and
means for coupling a cortical bone screw to said plate in a fixed
axial orientation.
2. A bone plate according to claim 1, wherein: said TMF includes
longitudinal slots extending along said projections.
3. A bone plate according to claim 1, wherein: said first and
second projections are opposing cantilevered beams.
4. A bone plate according to claim 1, wherein: said first and
second projections are provided with an upper recess.
5. A bone plate according to claim 1, wherein: said first and
second thread portions are approximately centered on the
longitudinal axis of said plate.
6. A bone plate according to claim 1, further comprising: an insert
positionable in said TMF to bridge said two portions of said plate
on longitudinally opposite sides of said TMF to increase a
torsional rigidity of said plate at said TMF.
7. A bone plate according to claim 6, wherein: said insert is a set
screw.
8. A bone plate according to claim 6, wherein: said insert is
bioabsorbable.
9. A bone plate according to claim 8, wherein: said insert includes
a bioactive substance.
10. A bone plate according to claim 1, wherein: said bone plate
does not include a widthwise change in lateral dimension relative
to said two portions.
11. A bone plate system for use with at least one cortical bone
screw, comprising: an elongate bone plate having a longitudinal
center and first and second ends, said plate including at least one
cortical screw hole located between said center and a first end for
receiving the at least one cortical bone screw for extension of the
screw into bone, and a torsional modification feature (TMF) located
between said center and said screw hole, said TMF decreasing the
torsional rigidity of said plate relative to two portions of the
plate adjacent to said TMF on longitudinally opposite sides of said
TMF and providing said plate with a torsional rigidity at said TMF
that is less than at said at least one cortical screw hole, said
TMF comprising a first projection and a second projection, each of
said projections contiguous with one of said two portions and
lateral sides of said plate and an opening therebetween, said first
projection including a first thread portion and said second
projection including a second thread portion extending into the
opening, said first and second thread portions forming
discontinuous wall portions of a full thread; and an insert
engageable with said first and second thread portions of said TMF
to bridge said two portions of said plate on longitudinally
opposite sides of said TMF to increase a torsional rigidity of said
plate at said TMF.
12. A bone plate system according to claim 11, wherein: said first
and second projections are opposing cantilevered beams.
13. A bone plate system according to claim 11, wherein: said insert
is a set screw including a head portion, and said first and second
projections include an upper recess that receives said head
portion.
14. A bone plate system according to claim 11, wherein: said first
and second thread portions are approximately centered on the
longitudinal axis of said plate.
15. A bone plate system according to claim 11, wherein: said insert
is bioabsorbable.
16. A bone plate system according to claim 15, wherein: said insert
includes a bioactive substance.
17. A bone plate system according to claim 11, wherein: said bone
plate does not include a widthwise change in lateral dimension
relative to said two portions.
18. A method of treating a fracture of a bone, comprising: a)
positioning a bone plate for fixation of the fracture, the bone
plate including a bone screw hole, and a torsional modification
feature (TMF) located between a center of the bone plate and said
screw hole, the TMF decreasing the torsional rigidity of the plate
relative to two portions of the plate adjacent to the TMF on
longitudinally opposite sides of the TMF, said TMF comprising a
first projection and a second projection, each of said projections
contiguous with one of said two portions and lateral sides of said
plate and an opening therebetween, said first projection including
a first thread portion and said second projection including a
second thread portion extending into the opening, said first and
second thread portions forming discontinuous wall portions of a
full thread; b) inserting at least one fixed angle screw through
the bone screw hole of the plate and into bone to couple the plate
to the bone; and c) positioning an insert into the TMF to increase
torsional rigidity of the plate at the TMF by bridging the two
portions of the plate on longitudinally opposite sides of the
TMF.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein: said positioning an
insert occurs after the plate is coupled to the bone.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates broadly to surgical devices. More
particularly, this invention relates to orthopedic implants, and
specifically to bone plates.
2. State of the Art
Internal fixation of diaphyseal fractures using plates has been
popular for a number of years. Under internal fixation, the normal
callus that forms as a diaphyseal bone fracture heals is naturally
fusiform (tapered at both ends). This healing process takes place,
generally, according to Wolff's Law, which states that bone
responds dynamically to stress and strain by altering its internal
architecture.
For many years compression plates have been popular in the
management of such fractures. Compression plates are held against
the fractured bone with screws having shafts with cortical threads
which engage the bone and heads which provide a compressive force
against the plate. The plate and bone are thus forced against each
other in a manner that transfers load primarily between a bone
contacting surface of the plate and the bone surface to reinforce
the fractured bone during healing. This manner of plating generally
creates relatively low stress concentration in the bone, as there
is a large contact area between the plate and the diaphyseal bone
surface permitting transfer of load to be dispersed. In addition,
the screws of conventional compression implants are subject only to
tension loads. However, if bone quality is poor, the bone screws
may not hold tightly in the bone and the internal fixation may be
greatly compromised.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,099 to Huebner describes one type of
compression plate for use with variable angle screws. The plate
includes varying degrees of rigidity along its length by varying
the width of the plate at selected distances from the center of the
plate. This purportedly operates to limit refracture of bones at
the ends of the plates during the healing process. Other
compression plates are structured to have decreased rigidity at
their ends by having a tapered fusiform shape.
More recently fixed angle plates have been used to stabilize
fractures. In distinction from compression plates, fixed angle
plates generally do not reinforce a fractured bone by compressing
the plate against the bone. Rather, such plates use fixed cortical
screws fixed relative to the plate. Commonly the screw holes and
screw heads are threaded together to lock the screws within the
screw holes. As the fixed angle screws are directly coupled to the
plate and extend into the bone in a fixed angle arrangement, the
screws provide a stabilizing framework even in osteopenic bone,
while the plate functions as an internal splint to facilitate
proper healing. It is generally not desirable to taper the ends of
a fixed angle plate. Given that there is no compression, tapered
ends of the plate could allow the plate to rock on the bone.
Surgeons have begun to notice a significant clinical problem with
the occurrence of particular refractures with fixed angle
diaphyseal plates that are more common than with conventional
compression plates. The fractures occur with minimal trauma at the
junction between the plates and the intact bone and are not at the
original fracture site. They are generally located at the bone
holes near the ends of a plate, which may be subject to more of the
torsional load than the bone holes in the mid portion of the
plate.
One explanation for the problem is that the stabilizing framework
provided by fixed angle implant is too rigid and creates
unacceptably high stress concentrations at the holes in the bone at
the ends of the plate. Typically these fractures occur in a spiral
or bivalve type of fracture pattern, which suggests that torsional
loads are frequently to blame. By themselves, fixed angle
diaphyseal plates are just as rigid as conventional plates, but
fixed angle screws are generally larger in diameter and stiffer
than compressive-type screws. While the fixed angle screws are not
subject to loads under tension, they are required to transmit
torsional, bending and shear forces which conventional compression
screws do not. Moreover, while fixed angle screws are generally
larger than variable angle screws for the same application, a fixed
angle plate transfers the loads from the bone to the plate by means
of the screws which present a remarkably smaller area of contact
with bone, i.e., the inside surface of the holes in the bone in
which the screws reside, in distinction from the lower bone
contacting surface of a conventional compression plate. This
produces very high stress concentrations within the bone at the
locations of the screws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system
which reduces refractures when using fixed angle plates.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fixed angle bone
plate designed to reduce the torsional loads between the screws
used with the plate and bone screw holes in the bone.
It is a further object of the invention to provide bone screws
designed to reduce torsional loads between bone and the screws.
In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail
below, a bone plate is provided that operates to at least reduce
and optimally eliminate bone refractures previously seen with fixed
angle plates. The bone plate includes a plurality of fixed angle
holes and at least one torsional modification feature (TMF). Each
TMF is modifiable so as to allow selection between different
degrees of torsional rigidity between two portions of the
plate.
Each TMF is defined by beams contiguous with the lateral sides of
the plate and an opening laterally therebetween. The beams allow
the torsional rigidity of the plate at the TMF to be reduced
relative to the portions of the plate on longitudinally opposite
sides of the TMF. In a preferred embodiment, opposed projections
extend into the opening to define threaded discontinuous wall
portions for receiving an insert, such as a set screw, and a recess
is provided at the upper portion thereof for countersinking a head
portion of the insert.
The plate at the hole may be increased in torsional rigidity by
permanently bridging the TMF opening, such as with a set screw.
Alternatively, an insert for temporarily bridging the TMF opening,
comprising a bioabsorbable material, can be inserted therein to
increase torsional rigidity upon implantation and may facilitate
the healing process by fostering bone growth or inhibiting
infection, and thereafter be bioabsorbed to reduce torsional
stability to mimic natural callus formation and prevent
refractures. Moreover, the threaded discontinuous wall portions can
be used as a coupling feature for attachment of a modular
component.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed
description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a bone plate
according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of an end of the bone plate of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a section view along the longitudinal axis of the bone
plate of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of bone plate with a set screw
insert for increasing the torsional rigidity of the bone plate,
according to the invention.
FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a modular combination of a
bone plate according to the invention in combination with a
metaphyseal plate.
FIG. 5B is an exploded top perspective view of the assembly of the
modular combination of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a bottom perspective view of the modular combination of
FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6B is an exploded bottom perspective view of the assembly of
the modular combination of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a bone plate 10 in accord with the invention
is shown. As described herein, the plate is provided with several
features that operate to at least reduce and optimally eliminate
bone refractures previously seen with conventional fixed angle
plates.
The plate 10 is an elongate diaphyseal plate for use on a long bone
including ten fixed angle holes 12 of the same diameter for fixed
angle bone screws and five oblong holes 14 for variable angle bone
screws. Plates of various dimensions, including lengths, and
various numbers of screw holes, with and without the oblong holes,
can be provided in accord with the invention. The plate can
particularly be sized for fractures of the radius, ulna, humerus,
femur, tibia, and other long bones. The plate 10 is manufactured
from a stiff biocompatible material such as a metal or metal alloy,
and most preferably is made from titanium or stainless steel.
In accord with the invention, at least one torsional modification
feature (TMF) 16 is located between a fixed angle hole 12 and a
longitudinal center C of the plate 10. Each TMF 16 is modifiable so
as to allow selection between different degrees of torsional
rigidity thereat. As such, fixed angle screws inserted into the
screw holes provided in two portions 18, 20 of the plate adjacent
the TMF 16 and on longitudinally opposite sides of the TMF 16 will
have relatively different torsional stability in the different
selected states.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, each TMF 16
is defined by longitudinal slots 22, 24 extending along opposing
lateral sides 26, 28 of the plate 10 such that beams 30, 32
contiguous with the two portions 18, 20 and lateral sides 26, 28
are defined. While the plate 10 may slightly taper at its ends (as
shown), this is particularly for use as a component of a modular
bone plate system, as discussed below. Moreover any such taper is
preferably slight and non-abrupt and there is no dramatic widthwise
change in lateral outer dimension at the TMF relative to the
portions 18, 20. The beams 30, 32 allow the torsional rigidity of
the plate at the TMF to be reduced relative to the adjacent
portions 18, 20 of the plate. Each beam 30, 32 is generally 17-25
percent the width of the plate, and more preferably 18-21 percent
such width. At each TMF the width of the beams at the lateral sides
thereof is substantially smaller than the width of material
surrounding the cortical screw holes 12 and 14.
Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, an opening 34 is defined between
the beams 30, 32. A first projection 36 including a first thread
portion 38 and an opposing second projection 40 with a second
thread portion 42 extend into the opening 34. When slots 22, 24 are
relatively long, projections 36, 40 take the form of opposing
cantilevered beams. The first and second thread portions 38, 42
define discontinuous wall portions of a full thread for receiving
an insert 48, such as a set screw with machine threads, as shown in
FIG. 4. A recess 50 is preferably provided at an upper portion of
the projections 36, 40 for countersinking a head portion 52 of the
set screw 48. Thread portions 38, 42 are approximately centered on
the longitudinal axis A of plate 10.
When the set screw 48 is screwed into thread portions 38, 42, plate
portions 18, 20 on longitudinally opposite sides of the opening 34
are bridged, increasing the torsional rigidity of the plate at the
TMF 16 relative to when set screw 48 is not inserted into thread
portions 38, 42. The set screw 48, when manufactured from metal or
metal alloy, is preferably provided for permanent implantation. It
is also appreciated that the set screw or other insert may be
snugly positioned within the opening 34 in a manner that does not
use threads on the projections, e.g., self tapping insert, an
interference fit, and/or other mechanical engagement, and may
include a head that also bridges beams 30, 32.
Furthermore, in accord with an option of practicing the invention,
the plate 10 at the TMF 16 may be altered or made to vary in
torsional rigidity by temporarily at least partially filling the
opening 34 with an insert comprising a bioabsorbable material that
bridges plate portions 18, 20 on longitudinally opposite sides of
the TMF. In accord therewith, the insert 48 comprises a
bioabsorbable material which either is or includes a biologically
active component having osteogenic, antibiotic, antiviral, and/or
other biologically beneficial properties. Such insert can be
inserted into the opening 34 to increase torsional rigidity upon
implantation and facilitate the healing process by fostering bone
growth or inhibiting infection. The insert may be in the form of a
set screw, or otherwise provided into opening 34, such as injected.
Such insert may also fill the slots 22, 24. At a predetermined time
after the implantation, e.g., based upon the absorption rate of the
carrier material, the insert will no longer effectively bridge
portions 18, 20, and the torsional stability at the TMF will be
reduced to mimic natural callus formation and prevent
refractures.
It is also appreciated that a fixed angle cortical bone screw can
be coupled directly into the first and second thread portions 38,
42 to alter the torsional stability of the plate at the TMF 16. In
distinction from a set screw, such bone screw engages into cortical
bone beneath the plate 10.
In accord with another aspect of the invention, TMF 16 is
preferably also configured for attaching a metaphyseal head portion
60 as shown in FIGS. 5A-6B as part of a modular bone plate system
62. Such modular systems are described in detail in previously
incorporated U.S. Ser. No. 11/378,703. Briefly, a set screw 48 is
positioned through a hole 64 in the head portion and thread into
the wall portions 38, 42 to form at least part of the coupling
assembly for rigidly retaining the head portion on the bone plate
10. As assembled, the set screw 48 is positioned within the TMF 16
to configure that portion of the bone plate 10 in a relatively
torsionally rigid configuration. Other set screws 66 may also be
used in the assembly.
In accord with another preferred aspect of the invention, the screw
holes 12, in addition to being adapted for fixed angle screws, are
also non-locking so as to provide compression between the plate 10
and the bone. In this manner, the fixed angle screw holes are
adapted to allow fixed angle screws to load in tension while the
plate 10 absorbs bending and shear forces. Only if the bone quality
is poor and the screw thread strips within the bone will the fixed
angle screws be subject to bending and shear loads. Otherwise, the
compressive forces that create the tensile loads allow the greater
surface area of the plate 10 to distribute the force over the bone
surface.
Preferred designs for non-locking fixed angle fixation are
described in detail in U.S. Pub. No. 20050187551 A1 to Orbay et
al., which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. By way of example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the screw
hole 12 is threadless but includes structure that can constrain the
angle of a screw inserted therethrough to approximately normal to
the lower surface of the plate. Such constraining structure
includes upper and lower cylindrical (or frustoconical) portions
70, 72 that receive complementary structures of the head of a
screw. Adjacent the screw hole 12 is a set screw hole 76 for
receiving a set screw that locks against the head of the screw
within hole 12 after the screw has been driven into the bone to
achieve a desired compressive force between the plate and bone.
In the embodiments described above, it is appreciated that the
plate 10 may be provided with a substantially constant thickness
and/or width across its length and achieve the desired results. In
accord with a method of the invention, the bone plate 10 is
positioned along the diaphysis of a fractured long bone. Holes are
drilled through fixed angle screw holes 12 through the fracture or
on opposite sides of the fracture in a manner that permits
stabilization of the fracture. Cortical screws are inserted through
screw holes 12 to couple the plate to the bone. Optionally,
variable angle screws that are not fixed relative to the plate can
also be inserted through the plate (either before or after the
fixed angle screws). An insert 48 is then positioned into the TMF
16 if increased torsional stiffness is desired. Such insert may be
selected to be a bioabsorbable insert to allow reduced torsional
stiffness at some time post-operatively. Alternatively, the insert
may be positioned in the plate prior to positioning the plate on
the bone. Furthermore, the plate may be provided, as manufactured,
with the insert, and the surgeon may remove the insert if decreased
torsional stability is desired.
There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of a bone plate and system including the same. While
particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is
not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is
intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will
allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while the
invention has been described with respect to a diaphyseal plate, it
is recognized that a torsional modification feature (TMF) can be
provided to a bone plate configured in size and shape for use at
any part of the osseous skeleton. In addition, while one type of
fixed angle screw configuration is disclosed (in which the cortical
screw is not threadably coupled to the bone plate), it is
recognized that the TMF of the invention may be incorporated into
plates in which the fixed angle screws are coupled to the plate by
any other means, specifically including threaded engagement,
whereby the screw holes preferably include internal threads.
Moreover, the TMFs also may be used in plates where the axis of
extension of the screw can be initially varied, and the screw is
then angularly fixed relative to the plate by some means. By way of
example, and not by limitation, such screw systems and means are
shown and described in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0049594A1 to Wack et al.,
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,700 to Farris and U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,186
to Michelson, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entireties. These variable angle screws fixed relative to the
plate shall also be considered `fixed angle screws` for purposes of
the claims. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided
invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as
claimed.
* * * * *